No, the SPLC brain trust chose to describe their ideological enemies as “patriots” — so they must believe that was a totally sound and ingenious decision on their part.

The report is full of stuff like this –weasel wording posing as “responsible journalistic subjectivity”:

Broughton made headlines in August 2009 when he showed up outside an Obama rally in Phoenix with an AR-15 assault rifle slung over his shoulder and a pistol holstered on his waist, becoming a hero to many in the “Patrtiot” movement in the process. He said he carries his guns habitually. (…)

He claims that some news broadcasters edited video footage of the scene to hide his race (he’s black) when reporting on the racist backlash to Obama’s election. Presumably, he felt that was part of an effort to paint Obama’s critics as racist.

Could not be reached for comment? Let me state unequivocally and for the record, the gutless, little cowards at the Southern Poverty Law Center with their $300 million annual budget never had the courage to call me, leave a message or send an e-mail! I would have been amused to answer the accusations of [SPLC Founder Morris] Dees or one of his little minions.

Anyone who knows me understands how much I like to mix it up with those who disagree with me. “Could not be reached for comment,” indeed. Larceny and cowardice are the trademarks of Dees and company.